The Pros and Cons of being Balbon

Did you know that it takes around two hours of gruelling pain before I get to rock something like this?

Balbon — a key trait that has been associated with me since as long as I can remember. I’m hairy literally everywhere… and I mean everywhere.

Media and society has made sure that this trait isn’t the most desirable one but for a lot of girls like myself, it’s the default. It’s normal. It’s how we naturally are. Being balbon wasn’t always a problem until I hit puberty. Insecurity kicked in, the feeling of wanting to fit in surfaces… all that jazz.

My main problem was my leg hair. I was balbon yes, but lucky me barely had any hair in my pits.

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that this post might get a bit detailed so if you don’t want to hear any of it, you can stop reading right here.

Moving on, yes, my legs were my number one problem. I was very adventurous with what I wear, like, outrageous kind of adventurous and I liked mini skirts which involved a lot of legs. I didn’t shave my legs immediately. I was given a lot of warning that once I shave my legs, they’ll never be the same and there was no going back. You’ll be doing it for the rest of your life (and they weren’t lying). So I coped by layering the skirts with a lot of leg accessories. During the time my idol was Avril Lavigne and her punk princess phase so I was all about wearing tights, leggings, stockings, fishnet stockings, and knee high socks in stripes, polka dots, and other crazy patterns. I wore a lot of boots and super high top sneakers for extra coverage too.

I remember during my entrance interview for high school, I wore a crisp white button down with a necktie, plaid mini skirt (think: oops I did it again school girl Britney Spears), fishnet stockings, and super high top converse sneakers.

If you’re looking for evidence for the fashion claim above, I’m very sorry but I’ve destroyed all digital evidences and Friendster is no more so you’d have to look through our ancient family albums for proof ;)

Upon entering high school, the rebellious dresser in me subsided. I guess I got influenced and got a bit shy of dressing outrageously because of puberty, I don’t know. Point is, I stopped wearing a lot of leg accessories and pants weren’t really my best friend so I started shaving my legs.

I remember there was this pool party back in high school. I’ve yet to discover waxing and out of utter desperation, I shaved my tummy. I regret doing that until now. Now you might think, “what??? your tummy?? Are you a guy??” Haha, well I did tell you guys that I’m literally a gorilla. Kidding, it was a barely noticeable bit of fuzz but you know how it is when you’re an insecure teenager who has yet to accept their body, every flaw gets highlighted in your perspective. So I stupidly shaved and did a permanent alteration to that area.

Now that you guys know my balbon story, let me bullet up the points.

THE CONS

I can’t just wear a bikini whenever I want – No, that simple thing isn’t very simple for a balbon girl. I need a lot of preparation before I even think about wearing that cute pastel pink two piece. I need to set aside at least two hours of my day and book myself a waxing session one or two weeks before a scheduled beach trip ’cause the skin might get irritated if it’s exposed to the heat and water fresh out of a waxing session.

It’s expensive – Whenever I need to go swimming, I always go for a full body wax instead of just targeting specific parts of my body. Why? Like I said I have hair everywhere. So it would be weird to have hair free arms and legs but have my chest and back covered with fine baby hair, right? A full body wax costs about P1,600 at cheapest. It’s not just a one time thing too, I need to do it regularly unless of course I invest in laser hair removal treatment but even that requires several treatments.

Limited outfit options – I can’t wear skirts, shorts, sleeveless tops, low waisted jeans with crop tops unless I’ve waxed or shaved and there are down times in between where I let the hair grow out so they can be pulled out or removed again.

There will always be that time where I look like a man – Read: mustache. It’s happens to me all the time actually during the “down times” and it gets every awkward when people stare at it when I talk to them instead of looking at my eyes. Like hey, aren’t my eyes pretty? Let me drop by the waxing salon real quick.

It’s painful – Haven’t tried Brazillian wax yet? No? Well you should if you want a more complete feeling of what physical pain is. Luckily, I haven’t kicked a waxer in their face yet. I just internally squeal and grip the sheets like my life was hanging on it.

It’s a big hassle overall – I always imagine what it would be like if I wasn’t so hairy. It would really make my life a lot easier. Being hairy just makes me ten times more high maintenance and it’s honestly a big hassle sometimes for a girl like me who doesn’t like to spend 10 minutes sitting down having her nails done. I rarely even put time in styling my hair and yet I have to lie down for two hours while two ladies rip out all of my hair.

THE PROS (OR SHOULD I SAY “PRO”)

Like all things in life, there are always two sides. It’s not all bad but really, I don’t even have to bullet this up. To be very blunt, the only pro I’m seeing right here is that a lot of my hairiness went to my brows and lashes too. That’s the only pro. Haha.

Like a MUA that fixed me up said,

“It’s easier to remove hair than to grow it out”

It’s true, growing out hair involves some genetics and that’s not something that can be easily changed. Whereas removing unwanted hair does takes effort, it’s something that can easily be done if you really want it done. So yeah, I guess I can put up with all the struggles I listed above in exchange for this benefit.

I told you guys some stories about how I coped with being hairy during my pre-teen years. Currently, I keep the hairiness at bay by getting regular waxing sessions at Flawless. I’ve also had a few laser hair removal treatments on my armpits and lower leg and I must say that there are results even after just two treatments. Perhaps if I continue with it I can finally have permanently hair free legs I’ve always been dreaming of??? Hahaha. Do check out their newly renovated site, I think it looks beautiful. You can book appointments directly on the site or on their app from the iTunes store or Google Play.

Now, I’m not really saying that hair free equals beautiful. I definitely don’t want my face to be hair free without my brows and lashes?? Personally, I think it’s all a matter of preference. If you’re comfortable with your fuzz and don’t feel the need to go through all the hassle of removing them, then good for you. If you prefer to go on without the fur, then by all means, do what you want with them (but I highly recommend that you don’t shave them, have them waxed instead). As for myself, I am legit hairy and I naturally have dark hair. If my fuzz was blonde or if they weren’t as thick, I would definitely be comfortable leaving them as is and embrace the slight hairiness but no, I don’t want to seem like I’m part gorilla. Hahaha. So I have them removed at some parts.

I’d like to hear it from my fellow balbon girls, do you experience the same struggles as me? Do you see your being hairy as a flaw or a gift? How do you deal with it? Any tips? Let me know in the comments below!

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HI ATE IDA! YAAAAS! I ALSO HAVE HAIR ON MY TUMMY AND I’M KIND OF CONSCIOUS WHEN IT COMES TO WEARING CROPPED TOPS OR ANY ENSEMBLE THAT INVOLVES SHOWING SKIN AROUND MY TUMMY. SINCE YOU’VE MENTIONED IT, I’LL TRY VISITING FLAWLESS SOON AND AVAIL A WAXING SESSION.

THANK YOU FOR SPEAKING UP ABOUT STUFF THAT I DIDN’T KNOW YOU ALSO EXPERIENCE HAHAHAHA

My cousin and a college friend of mine are balbon and they have the best brows! When I do get to see you in person and talk to you (omg when kaya hahaha), I think I’ll pretty much be just staring at your brows. Whenever you post pictures of yourself, I always look at your brows and I wonder, “how does Ida do that?? Share-a-brow hair please” HAHA. But yeah, you’re totally right. It’s easier to remove hair than to grow it out. Side note on the Brazilian wax, I’d rather have it than have my eyebrows threaded. The latter is much more painful for me.</3

Uhm I also have some hair on the side of my nips? 😞 I am really bothered. The facial hair, too. People almost always look at my mustache. I really don’t know how to get rid of it because they kept of telling me na if I removed it using a blade, it’ll grow thicker (like what men have). Oh, the struggles of being balbon. 😩

I have hairs in my tummy and legs and literally everywhereeeeee. Pero I never get insecure, sometimes lang sa legs. I tried waxing it my own and it grew. Everyone’s right that I shouldn’t shave my legs kase the hairs became thicker. Pero I’m mahilig sa shorts but not crop top, still wasn’t ashamed! What’s good about balbon girls are the thick brows and the nice hair! Fave blogpost so far! Create more ate Ida!

Hi ate Ida! Oh god I relate so much to this article. Being balbon is so hard and stressful haha. But, lucky you! You don’t have much in the pits but I have quite a lot *crying emoji*. I also have some on my tummy because of my birthmark and it’s weird haha. Even if I would remove the little bits of hair, there’s still my birthmark *sigh*. But, being balbon truly gives you nice brows tbh! Anyways, loved the article 💓 Thank you for making me happy from my stressful day at school hihi wuv you!

I can relate so much!!! Thank you so much for sharing this, Ida. Most of my hair on my face and legs grow dark and coarse. There are times when I can’t afford a waxing or threading session, so I just tweeze the hairs on my brow, upper lip, chin and underarms (which take hours) and then shave my legs.

I can’t wait for the day I’ll be able to afford the laser treatment too.

And yes, one of the pros are the brows and lashes. I just groom my brows and let them look natural when I put on my everyday make-up.

By the way, just an additional info, this balbon problem of us could be on genetics but also check your reproductive health.

All this time I thought this hair problem of mine runs in the family because I have 3 brothers and I’m the only girl, and my brothers are very balbon too. Until I reach puberty, and I have irregular menstruations then I found out from my doctor that I have hormonal imbalance or polycystic ovary syndrome. Visit your ob-gyne if you have problems like this and she’ll know what to do.

I’m balbon but luckily I didn’t try to shave my legs (Thanks mom for reminding me that it will get “kulot”) hahaha. Due to being “balbon”, instead of regularly waxing my legs, I just set in my mind that shorts is not for me unless I went to waxing salon. Overall “balbon” lyf is so magastos. :(

My gaahd. You’re my spirit. Hahaha. I also have a that “Balbon” body. But not my pits. Good thing is, my lashes and brows are on fleek because of that! You’re an inspiration…. And oh, you’re so Gorg😍😍😍❤💙💚💛💜 -Jenine 💗

Hi Idaaaa! im balbon like you too (even the shaving tummy part, yup! I laughed big time bec I experienced that too) haha it makes me smile how Queen Ida also has the same insecurities as i do. Being balbon is really a hassle but knowing im not the only one coping up with it makes it easier and more realistic hahaha cheers to you, fellow balbon! :D

Hahaha oh the puberty struggles of being balbon and trying to fit in society :( HUHUHUHUHU. Yes, there are definitely a lot of us, kaso less in each friend groups so we feel like we’re the only one hahahah :(

I like those brows, yes, it’s totally worth the more effort needed for the days you want them thinner, because you can still grow them out if you think they suit your current style better :).
Does shaving really chance the hair and does it stay that way even after you stop and it completely grow back to its full length.
I’m a guy who doesn’t grow much hair, but have some excess dark hair on my low front neck and shoulders which needs a bit of maintenance :).

HAHAHA OMG I’M ALSO A BIG FAN OF AVRIL LAVIGNE, high five to that hehehehe. My mom wouldn’t allow me to shave/ wax my legs, her reason is that my legs will become ugly and full of scratches but I told her that it’s just a hoax. I promised her that once I shave/ wax my legs, I will always take care of it, but she wouldn’t agree with me. It is really a burden having hair on my legs, it really makes me concious and shy. Sorry if it’s long, I just want to rant my heart out. 😭😔

Hi Ida! Huhu lucky you! You have thick brows and lashes. You know I have to shave the outside layer of my brows so when the hair grows back, it will be thicker. And also I can’t go outside our home without wearing eyebrow make up. Anyways, I love your blog! More powers! 💖

I’m a balbon too. Also, I tried shaving my tummy too. I was curious that time too and thought that girls shouldn’t have hairs on their tummy. So I shaved it and until now I regret it. However, I still love being balbon because I was born this way…

I can relate to this post on so many levels! Being balbon is indeed hard. I’ve had a lot of insecurities about it when I was younger. But now that Im older, I’ve managed to love my flaws. Getting rid of hair all over my body is such a pain, but i do it now out of my own preference not because im insecure, after all being balbon is the reason my brows will always be on fleek and my lashes wont be needing an extension :D

Oh my god. The tummy part is soooo true. (and sadly I shaved it too. desperate measure just to wear a bikini at the beach)

Been wanting to try getting a bikini or a brazilian wax… But i need answers, awkward ba talaga? Haha im too shy to try it!!!
Can someone help? Hahaha Ida or just some other commenter/reader. Awkward ba talaga magpa-brazilian or bikini wax??

Hi Nicole! Sorry I took so long to reply buuuuut yes it’s awkward. But everytime I have a Brazilian wax, I just try to ignore all feelings of awkwardness thinking that after this I’ll super clean and fuzz free down there and the ate who’s waxing me has probably seen 20 “down theres” for that day… so no big deal. The pain’s a big deal though hahaha.

I have the same insecurity with my legs! Hair grows there fast and thick :(( So I have to shave my legs + mustache often. I have thick eyebrows as well, but the one thing that frustrates me? My lashes aren’t as blessed — they’re so short and thin!! Haha. It’s so weird how that goes :<

I'm curious about the laser hair removal treatments — are they really permanent? Like "lifetime" permanent or just long-term like 6 months?

HI ATE IDA! Loved this blog post!
DON’T WORRY ATE YOU STILL LOOK BEAUTIFUL EVENTHOUGH YOU’RE BALBON. I REALLY THINK YOU ARE NOT IDA ANDUYAN WHEN YOU ARE NOT BALBON.
HAHAHAHA! And ate can I ask how much is the waxing session at flawless? Let’s say, you’re gonna wax your legs? Hihi. Thanks in advance, Ate Ida! I LOVE YOUUUUUUU.

Hehehe thank youuu. I guess you’re right! Haha I’m not Ida Anduyan if I wasn’t hairy bwahahah. I’m actually not sure! Huhuh the prices are hard to remember but you can refer here: https://flawless.com.ph/

DEFINITELY FEEL THE SAME WAY AS YOU DO!!! ITS ACTUALLY REALLY UNCOMFORTABLE FOR ME TO GO OUT WITH SHORTS OR SKIRTS WITH UNSHAVED LEGS AND THAT MUSTACHE PART WAS TOTALLY RELATABLE. I CAN SAY THAT BEING MABALBON MAKES THE STRUGGLES OF A GIRL 1000000% HARDER. :(

Omg, you have a picture on 9-3-16, anniversary date with my S.O! Hahaha. anyway, my mom told me that I was balbon when I was a kid. I even have a cousin who kept on calling me that when I was still a baby which my mom also told me. However, as years passed by, the balbon thing just disappear. Although, I still have hair but not really as something to be considered as balbon. I love your brows and lashes. Do you still apply makeup on your brows and lashes or leave them as it is? :)

Same here! Except with the lashes. No pros for me. Lol. I am a bit scared when it comes to waxing. I wanted to try it though. I only do theading with my eyebrows and on the upper lip. I have hair everywhere even on my tummy. I shaved it once and it grew even more! My legs are like the same with men. No bikini nor shorts. The struggle is real! Literal na tiis ganda! Every balbon girls know the struggle.